Marjean Creekmore McDonald passed away in Tulsa, surrounded by her family, on August 29, 2024. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 23, 1949, to Arvel and Marjorie Creekmore. She grew up in Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas. She attended Lindenwood College before graduating from The University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in education administration.
While at the University of Arkansas, she met the love of her life, Gary. They were married on May 31, 1975, and built a magnificent life together.
Her professional life was dedicated to helping students pursue their educational goals and futures. After the birth of her first child, Mary, she decided to become a full-time mother. Her highest calling in life was as a mother to her five children, Mary, Jamie, Emerson, Emily, and Katherine. She also filled a motherly role guiding and supporting countless other young people in the Tulsa area through various endeavors, most notably her volunteer service with the Tulsa Thunder Soccer Club. The number of young lives that she touched and influenced is immeasurable.
Marjean was also called upon to serve as President of the Junior League of Tulsa and was instrumental, together with her Junior League friends, in developing programs to assist children in need, including the founding of the Child Abuse Network. Under her leadership, the Junior League joined with First Lady Barbara Bush to promote literacy for children, with Mrs. Bush visiting Tulsa in connection with the program. During Marjean's tenure, building on the substantial work of a number of Members, the Junior League completed its construction and transition to its own building, which it continues to occupy today.
Throughout her life, Marjean served as a mentor for professional women in Tulsa. She held a deep commitment to the development and advancement of independent women. This commitment included mentoring educators, businesswomen, lawyers and others, each of whom can tie their professional development, in one way or another, to Marjean's advice and mentorship. Marjean didn't consider any of this work; for her, it was personal.
Marjean was guided by her faith. She served on the Parish Council of Christ the King, she hosted the RENEW bible study group for several years in the family home, and she volunteered for many years at the Parish Office. Marjean took comfort, and found peace, in her faith throughout her life.
Marjean is preceded in death by her grandmother, Fannie Paralee Bassham, her mother, Mary Marjorie Creekmore, her father Arvel Homer Creekmore, her sister Carol Lynn Creekmore Leslie, and her infant brother, James Allen Creekmore. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Gary, of Tulsa, their children, Mary Elizabeth Kindelt (Nicholas), James Michael (Maria Carlo), Emerson Aguilera (Ashleigh), Emily Kathleen Hughes (Stephen), and Katherine Elise, and five grandchildren, Ryan Thomas Kindelt, Joseph Michael McDonald, Maria Isabel McDonald, Stephen Vincent Hughes V, and Paul James Hughes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marjean's name to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma.
A visitation and Rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., both at the Parish of Christ the King. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, in Tulsa.
Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151